Best Selling Books by Michael J. Sullivan

In May 2009, Congress passed the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (Reform Act). The Reform Act contains a number of systems engineering and developmental testing requirements that are aimed at helping weapon programs establish a solid foundation from the start of development. This report examined: (1) DoD''s progress in implementing the systems engineering and developmental testing requirements; (2) views on the alignment of the offices of the Directors of Systems Engineering and Developmental Test and Evaluation; and (3) challenges in strengthening systems engineering and developmental testing activities. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

A broad consensus exists that weapon system problems are serious, but efforts at reform have had limited impact. Last year, it was reported that DoD''s portfolio of weapon programs experienced cost growth of $295 billion from first estimates, were delayed by an average of 21 months, and delivered fewer quantities and capabilities to the war-fighter than originally planned. This testimony describes the systemic problems that contribute to the cost, schedule, and performance problems in weapon system programs, recent actions that DoD has taken to address these problems, proposed reform legislation that has recently been introduced, and additional steps needed to improve future performance of acquisition programs. Charts and tables.

Not bound, as a book. Free. The new anthology from Shawn Speakman embodies that magical idea.

About 75% of casualties in current combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are attributed to improved explosive devices. To mitigate the threat from these weapons, the DoD initiated the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program, which uses a tailored acquisition approach to rapidly acquire and field the vehicles. MRAP is DoD¿s single most important acquisition program. To date, more than $22 billion has been appropriated to acquire more than 15,000 MRAP vehicles, and about 6,600 of the vehicles have been fielded. This report: (1) describes DoD¿s approach for and progress in implementing its strategy for rapidly acquiring and fielding MRAP vehicles; and (2) identifies the challenges remaining for the program. Illustrations.

A FORCED WEDDING. A DOUBLE EXECUTION. TWO THIEVES HAVE OTHER PLANS. The New Empire intends to celebrate its victory over the Nationalists with a day that will never be forgotten. On the high holiday of Wintertide the empress will be married. Degan Gaunt and the Witch of Melengar will be publically executed. Then the empress will suffer a fatal accident leaving the empire in the hands of the new emperor. It will be a perfect day. There is only one problem-Royce and Hadrian have finally found the lost heir.ABOUT THE SERIESInstead of a string of sequels The Riyria Revelations is a fantasy series conceived as a single epic tale divided into individual self-contained episodes. All were written before the first was released so that plot elements are intertwined, yet each book has its only story and conclusion. AWARDS AND ACCOLADES2010 Fantasy Book Critic Top 12 Novels as of First Quarter (The Emerald Storm)2010 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (Avempartha)2010 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (Nyphron Rising)2009 Winner of Book Spot Central''s Fantasy Tournament of Books (Avempartha)2009 Top 10 Books by Dark Wolf Fantasy Reviews (The Riyria Revelations)2009 National Indie Book Award Finalist (The Crown Conspiracy)2008 ReaderViews Annual Literary Award Finalist (The Crown Conspiracy)2007 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (The Crown Conspiracy)BOOKS IN THE RIYRIA REVELATIONSThe Crown Conspiracy (October 2008)Avempartha (April 2009)Nyphron Rising (October 2009)The Emerald Storm (April 2010)Wintertide* (October 2010)Percepliquis* (April 2011)AUTHOR WEBSITESWeb: http://www.michaelsullivan-author.comBlog: http://riyria.blogspot.com/

As of July 2008, about 75% of casualties in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were attributed to improvised explosive devices. To mitigate the threat from these weapons, DoD initiated the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program in Feb. 2007, which used a tailored acquisition approach to rapidly acquire and field the vehicles. To date, about $23 billion has been appropriated for the procurement of 16,000 MRAP vehicles. This testimony describes the MRAP acquisition process, the results to date, lessons learned from that acquisition, and potential implications for improving the standard acquisition process. The auditor reviewed DoD''s plans to buy, test, and field the vehicles and discussed the plans with department and contractor officials.

Measuring Global Values is a major book that represents an enormous research effort. The book enables careful and systematic comparisons over time and across space as to whether a society is improving or losing ground. . . . It provides world order scholars with a fully elaborated framework for future research. . . . [Sullivan''s] book is certain to be the foundational work for future developments relating to normative assessment. Richard Falk Princeton University This volume profiles 162 countries using as a basis for comparison more than a hundred indicators measuring how each country reflects 5 global values: peace, economic well-being, ecological balance, social justice, and political participation. The use of data-based management software systems for the collection of information results in a broad-based analysis which yields thoroughly documented conclusions and affirms the five values as appropriate evaluative tools. Introductory material outlines the methods used in the study, defines the measurement criteria, and identifies the study''s objectives. Each of the five subject areas is then addressed separately, its findings supported by numerous tables and excerpts, and its data supplemented by a bibliography at the end of each chapter. Students of political science as well as global policy scholars will consider this unique application of current technology to the examination of global values a significant contribution to literature on the subject.

Ellis Rogers is an ordinary man who is about to embark on an extraordinary journey. All his life he has played it safe and done the right thing, but faced with a terminal illness he''s willing to take an insane gamble. He''s built a time machine in his garage, and if it works, he''ll face a world that challenges his understanding of what it means to be human, what it takes to love, and the cost of paradise. Ellis could find more than a cure for his illness; he might find what everyone has been searching for since time began - but only if he can survive Hollow World.

What’s on the horizon for 2016 and beyond? Find out in this annual ebook sampler of excerpts from some of Del Rey’s most exciting science fiction and fantasy titles! Inside are a slew of iconic authors and brands. Michael J. Sullivan, the author of the Riyria series, kicks off an original five-book saga. Elizabeth Moon revisits her classic military sci-fi epic Vatta’s War with a new standalone novel. Science Fiction Hall of Famer Connie Willis returns with a satire of love and (mis)communication. China Miéville, one of the most consistently original voices in any genre, presents a brilliant work of alternate history. And a bold era of World of Warcraft storytelling begins with a tale of justice and vengeance. Here, too, are emerging voices and incredible new visions. At the edge of the Russian wilderness, a young girl tries to protect her family from terrifying fairy tales come to life. In Kolkata, India, a college professor learns of a race of people at once more than human yet kin to beasts. An ordinary family in England undertakes a ten-year period of servitude to a ruling class endowed with powerful magic. A contestant on a reality TV show, cut off from all outside contact, learns that the real world may have changed in terrifying ways. A young man with inexplicable powers is recruited by a secret training program at West Point. And in South Dakota, a child falls through the earth—only to wake up in the palm of a giant metal hand. This marvelous ebook sampler contains excerpts from eleven recent and upcoming works: AGE OF MYTH by Michael J. Sullivan THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden COLD WELCOME by Elizabeth Moon CROSSTALK by Connie Willis THE DEVOURERS by Indra Das GILDED CAGE by Vic James THE LAST DAYS OF NEW PARIS by China Miéville THE LAST ONE by Alexandra Oliva THE POINT by John Dixon SLEEPING GIANTS by Sylvain Neuvel WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ILLIDAN by William King

“What do you think a hero is? It’s just the right person in the right place making the right choice at the right time. Heroes aren’t born. They’re made.” A demonic assassin. A half-orc boxer. A ratman necromancer. Though they take many different shapes and forms, there are heroes all around us. Bravery can be found in the most unexpected places: a subterranean dwarven city; the sands of a temple courtyard in Ancient Egypt; a besieged castle, a Victorian brothel, a goblin warren, the post-apocalyptic ruins of a demon-infested village. Heroes dwell in the shadows as well as the light; you just have to look a little harder to find them. Who do they fight? Some heroes challenge injustice in all its numerous guises, while others hunt monsters both human and bestial. Others battle inner demons, the ghosts of their past, their deepest nightmares – or even the gods themselves. Why do they fight? For glory? Sometimes. For honor? Perhaps. There are those who instinctively strive to protect those weaker than themselves, and there are others emboldened only by a sense of obligation, or the promise of wealth. Whether by the blade or other means, they endeavor to take down all who threaten what is good and right in their world. By hook or by crook, through cunning or combat, with tooth and claw or iron and steel, they are all united in one goal, willingly or not: to live – and die, if necessary – a hero. Choose your weapon. Fight for what you believe in. Never give up. Nineteen fantasy writers gather to bring nineteen tales to life, each one a unique glimpse into a wholly original world.